Casemiro: ''Amorim initially didn't count on me, but now praises me'' | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has highlighted his strong individual performance this season and his current relationship with Rúben Amorim on his return to Brazilian national team after a year and a half away.

The 33-year-old athlete also expressed satisfaction with working again with former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"I'm happy to be back in the national team, to work with a coach I already know, but to return playing good football, which is the most important thing," Casemiro said.

"I want to emphasise that. I'm not here just because I know the coach; it's on merit."

The experienced player took the opportunity to reflect on his season with the Red Devils: "This year has been one of the most important of my career, if not the most. Everyone wants to talk about titles and victories, but from the moment you don't play, you can't change the coach's opinion. It's complicated.

"The coach [Ruben Amorim] didn't count on me at first and now praises me. It was a year of resilience, one of the happiest and most successful of my career."

Casemiro also talked about Neymar, who has not a part of the Brazil squad: "It's up to Neymar to be physically well again, to be happy again. Without a doubt, Neymar is more than necessary. Not only in the Brazilian team, but in any club in the world Neymar is indispensable.

"We know that Neymar needs to be physically well, because when he is, he is one of the best. He's a special player. For me, he's top 3 of my time in football: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi."

After a goalless draw with Ecuador last time out, Brazil will take on Paraguay in São Paulo on Wednesday.